Scent device

ABSTRACT

A scent device comprises a container defining a volume and configured to hold a fill material, which may include one or more chemical compounds, natural formulations, or both configured to absorb odor and/or moisture, and/or emit a scent. The scent device includes a vented cap reversibly coupled to the container via a connection mechanism, and a breathable insert sandwiched between the container and the cap. The breathable insert may comprise a non-woven fabric supported along its perimeter by a structural mount. Methods of manufacturing the scent device involve cutting a mount from a support material, attaching a breathable material to the mount to form a breathable insert, depositing a scent-controlling material within a container, and sandwiching the breathable insert between the container and a cap upon coupling the cap with the container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/720,234, filed Dec. 19, 2019, entitled “SCENT DEVICE,” which isincorporated by reference herein, in the entirety and for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to scent devices and associated methodsof manufacture. Implementations include methods of manufacturing a scentdevice comprised of a breathable insert coupled with an odor-controllingcontainer and vented cap.

BACKGROUND

A large variety of scent devices are available for a wide range ofpurposes in both indoor and outdoor settings. For example, animalattraction devices configured to emit natural scents are often employedby hunters. Air fresheners are frequently used indoors to maskunpleasant odors, and heat-resistant devices are occasionally placed indriers to improve the smell of freshly washed clothes. Despite theireffectiveness in certain contexts, preexisting devices are oftenconfined to narrow uses, vulnerable to changing environmentalconditions, and limited by rigid manufacturing parameters. New devicesare needed to improve the versatility, durability and effectiveness ofscent devices without adding complexity to their associated methods ofmanufacture.

SUMMARY

Implementations disclosed herein provide scent devices configured toimprove, eliminate, or otherwise control odors in various indoor oroutdoor settings. In accordance with some examples of the presentdisclosure, a scent device may include a container defining a volume andconfigured to hold a fill material. The scent device may also include acap reversibly coupled to the container via a connection mechanism and abreathable insert sandwiched between the container and the cap. Thebreathable insert may comprise a support mount defining a centralaperture and attached to a perimeter of a breathable material.

In some examples, the cap may define one or more vents, each ventdefining an opening in the cap that exposes the breathable insert. Insome embodiments, the breathable material of the breathable insertcomprises a non-woven fabric. In some examples, the connection mechanismcomprises a snap-fit mechanism. In some embodiments, the fill materialcomprises one or more chemical compounds, natural formulations, or bothconfigured to absorb odor and/or moisture, and/or emit a scent. Examplesof the fill material can include activated carbon, crystals, powders,and/or gel beads, one or more of which may be scented. In some examples,the scent device further includes a suspension mechanism configured tosuspend the container above a surface. In some embodiments, thebreathable insert may have a cross-sectional thickness of about 0.01 toabout 0.05 inches. In some embodiments, the container may have adiameter of about 2 to about 5 inches. In some examples, the fillmaterial may be configured to attract one or more wild animals.

In accordance with some examples of the present disclosure, methods ofmanufacturing a scent device may involve cutting a mount from a supportmaterial, attaching a breathable material to the mount to form abreathable insert, depositing a scent-controlling material within acontainer defining a volume, and sandwiching the breathable insertbetween the container and a cap upon coupling the cap with thecontainer.

In some examples, the scent-controlling material comprises a compositionconfigured to absorb moisture, absorb odor, emit a scent, orcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the breathable materialcomprises a non-woven fabric. In some examples, the support materialcomprises pulp board, paper board and/or foam. In some embodiments,attaching the breathable material to the mount comprises laminating thebreathable material to one side of the mount, which may or may not alsoinclude a surface adhesive. In some examples, cutting the mount from thesupport material comprises using a die apparatus to cut the mount from aroll of the support material. In some embodiments, the breathable insertmay have a cross-sectional thickness of about 0.01 to about 0.05 inches.In some examples, the support material may be substantially rigid. Insome embodiments, the support material may comprise a double-sidedadhesive. In some examples, sandwiching the breathable insert betweenthe container and the cap may involve applying a side of the mountopposite the breathable material to a lip portion of the container. Insome embodiments, coupling the cap with the container comprisessnap-fitting the cap to the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a plan view of a scent device in accordance with embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional side view of the scent device shown in FIG.1A.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of another scent device in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of another scent device in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of another scent device in accordance withembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a plan view of an initial step of cutting a ring of supportmaterial implemented pursuant to an example method of manufacturing acylindrical scent device in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 5B is a plan view of a lamination step implemented after cuttingthe inner diameter of the ring of support material.

FIG. 5C is a plan view of a step of cutting the outer diameter of thelaminated support material to form a breathable disk.

FIG. 5D is a plan view of both sides of a breathable disk formed afterimplementing the steps shown in FIGS. 5A-5C and discarding the unusedsupport material.

FIG. 5E is an exploded view of a scent device, showing a container, thebreathable disk shown in FIG. 5D, and a cap with vents.

FIG. 5F is a perspective view of the container shown in FIG. 5E afterdepositing a fill material therein, along with an underside of the capand breathable disk after coupling the two components together.

FIG. 5G is a perspective view of an assembled scent device.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting a method of manufacturing a scentdevice in accordance with principles of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations provide scent devices configured for a variety of uses.Embodiments of the scent device can include a container reversiblycoupled with a cap and configured to hold a scent-controlling fillmaterial, such as scented crystals or activated carbon. A breathableinsert comprised of non-woven fabric, for example, may be sandwichedbetween the container and the cap. The pores of the breathable insertcan be configured to allow consistent, controlled release of one or morearomatic compounds emitted from the fill material, and/or the absorptionof odor and/or moisture from the surrounding air. The cap can define oneor more open portions, or vents, to expose the underlying breathableinsert. The scent device can be employed for both indoor and outdooruses, for example for air freshening, moisture absorption, scentelimination or scent emitting.

Novel, scalable methods of manufacturing the scent device are alsodisclosed. Example methods can involve forming a mount or backing from astock supply of support material, e.g., pulp board or foam, to provide asupport structure for a breathable insert. One side of the mount can beattached to a perimeter portion of the breathable material of theinsert, for example via lamination and/or an adhesive. The container canbe filled, entirely or partially, with the scent-controlling fillmaterial. After filling the container, the breathable insert can besandwiched between the cap and the container as the two components arecoupled together.

As used herein, the term “scent device” includes devices configured asscent dispensers, deodorizers, air fresheners, scent eliminators, odorabsorbers, moisture absorbers, animal attractants, clothing fresheners,etc. The shape, dimensions, and fill material of the disclosed scentdevices may be adjusted to achieve different purposes. For consistencyand ease of illustration, the term “scent” is used throughout thisdisclosure to describe assorted scents, odors, fragrances orscent-eliminating aromatics released from the disclosed scent devices.As used herein, a “scent-controlling material” encompasses materialsthat emit a certain scent or fragrance, as well as materials thateliminate various odors and/or absorb moisture from the air.

Embodiments of the scent device described herein may include anapproximately cylindrical container. Accordingly, select dimensions ofthe container may be referred to by the properly associated terms, e.g.,“diameter.” This should not be construed as limiting, as thescent-controlling containers described herein may have a wide variety ofshapes, e.g., rectangular, irregular or substantially flat. The term“diameter” should thus be understood to encompass the analogousdimensions of other shapes, e.g., length or width.

Scent Device Product

FIG. 1A shows a plan view of an example scent device 100. As shown, thescent device 100 includes a container 102 attached to a hook 104. Thecontainer 102, or jar, is coupled with a cap 106, which featuresintersecting bars 108 extending across the container 102. A breathableinsert 110 in the shape of a disk is visible between the bars 108, whichtogether define four vents 109 a-d in the scent device 100. In thisembodiment, the breathable insert 110 is visible on only one side of thescent device 100, such that the opposite side (or bottom) of the deviceis closed. The breathability of the insert 110 allows scents emittedfrom a fill material held within the container 102 to escape at aconsistent rate through the vents 109 a-d to the surroundingenvironment. This breathability also enables consistent absorption ofodors and/or moisture into the device 100.

The breathable insert 110 can be comprised of a support mount thatdefines a central aperture and is attached to a perimeter portion of abreathable material, such as a fabric, which may be non-woven to enhancebreathability. Embodiments may also include breathable materials made ofvarious woven fabrics, threaded polymers, and/or mesh. The pore sizesdefined by the breathable material can dictate the rate of scent releasefrom the scent device. The larger the pores, the faster the rate ofscent release. A scent-controlling material, e.g., scented powder, mayalso be embedded directly within at least a portion of the breathableinsert, which may vary in its cross-sectional thickness. In embodiments,the breathable insert may have a cross-sectional thickness of less thanabout 0.01 in., about 0.01 in., about 0.02 in., about 0.03 in., about0.04 in., about 0.05 in., greater than about 0.05 in., or any thicknesstherebetween.

The hook 104 may be useful for outdoor uses, e.g., hunting operations,where optimal use of the scent device may be achieved by suspending thedevice above the ground. Examples may also include other suspensionmechanisms. For example, the container 102 may be attached to a stringor rope, which may be coupled with various structures. The container 102may also include an adhesive on the surface opposite the exposedbreathable insert 110. The scent device 100 may also include one or moremagnetic elements such that it can be attached to various householdappliances. The hook 104, and any other suspension mechanism, may alsobe excluded in some embodiments, for example embodiments in which thescent device 100 is simply placed on a flat surface.

The configuration of the bars 108 may vary and may depend on a number offactors. The mass of the fill material held within the container 102,the location at which the scent device 100 is typically used, and/or thedesired rate of scent release may impact the configuration of the bars.For example, heavier fill material may necessitate a more comprehensive,concealing grid of bars 108 to provide the structural support necessaryto maintain the integrity of the breathable insert 110, especially ifthe scent device 100 is suspended above the ground. Scent devicesconfigured for outdoor use may also include a more comprehensive networkof bars 108 to shield the fill material from weather effects. A morecomprehensive configuration of bars 108 may also be utilized to achievea slower rate of scent release by enclosing a greater surface area ofthe breathable insert 110. As further described below, the bars 108 mayalso be replaced by an adjustable cap. In some embodiments, thebreathable material comprising the breathable insert 110 may beconfigured to match the venting scheme defined by the bars 108.

FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional side view of the scent device 100,showing the container 102 and the hook 104. As shown, the breathableinsert 110 may be sandwiched between the cap 106 and the container 102.In the illustrated example, the cap 106 is configured to couple with thecontainer 102 via a snap-fit mechanism. Specifically, the cap 106 maydefine one or more protrusions 112 configured to reversibly engage oneor more lip portions 114 defined by the container 102. Embodiments mayfeature one protrusion having a defined length, a plurality ofprotrusions spaced around the perimeter of the cap 106, or a singleprotrusion extending circumferentially around the entire cap perimeter.The container 102 may also define one or more complementary ledgeportions 116 configured to contact a surface of the cap 106. The cap 106may be relatively flexible such that the protrusion 112 may flex overthe lip portion 114 of the container 102 when the cap 106 is urged ontoand off of the container 102. After flexing, the cap 106 can return toits static position, in which the walls of the cap are approximatelyperpendicular with respect to each other.

The container 102 may accommodate various volumes of fill material 118.The fill material 118 reaches a fill level f, which may correspond to avolume of about 25 ml or less, about 25 ml, about 50 ml, about 75 ml,about 100 ml, about 125 ml, about 150 ml, about 175 ml, about 200 ml,about 300 ml, about 500 ml, more than about 500 ml, or any volumetherebetween. Various fill materials may be included within thecontainer 102. For example, the fill material 118 may include one ormore chemical compounds, natural formulations, or both configured toabsorb odor and/or moisture, and/or emit a scent. Non-limiting examplesof the fill material 118 may include activated carbon, scented powder,scented gel beads, or scented crystals, just to name a few. The textureof the fill material 118 may be generally granular. The pore size of thebreathable material comprising the breathable insert 110 may be selectedin view of the particle size of the fill material 118 to prevent thefill material 118 from simply passing immediately through the breathableinsert 110 when the scent device 100 is not placed on a flat surfacewith the vents 109 a-d facing up. More refined materials, e.g., powders,may thus be matched with breathable inserts 110 comprised of a materialhaving smaller pores.

The dimensions of the scent device 100 may vary depending on theconfiguration and materials comprising each component and the associatedmethods of assembly. For example, to prevent leakage and facilitateinsertion of the breathable insert 110 between the container 102 and thecap 106, the breathable insert 110 may have a larger diameter than thecontainer 102 and a smaller diameter than the cap 106, as shown in FIG.1B. The exact shape and dimensions of the container 102 and cap 106 mayvary. In the embodiment shown, the two components together form agenerally cylindrical canister, but the container 102 and/or the cap 106may also be approximately rectangular, tubular, flat, oblong orirregular in other examples. The dimensions of the device 100 may varydepending on the specific use or use location. For example, the scentdevice 100, particularly the container 102, may have larger dimensionsfor outdoor applications and smaller, more discreet dimensions forindoor applications. Larger containers may accommodate a greater amountof fill material, which may be preferable for outdoor or larger areaapplications. In various embodiments, the cap 106 may have a diameterranging from less than about 2.5 in. to about 2.5 inches, or about 2.75in., about 3.0 in., about 3.25 in., about 3.50 in., about 3.75 in.,about 4.0 in., about 4.25 in., about 4.5 in., about 4.75 in., about 5.0in., about 5.25 in., about 5.5 in., greater than about 5.5 inches, orany diameter therebetween. The container 102 may have a diameter rangingfrom less than about 2.0 in. to about 2.0 inches, or about 2.25 in.,about 2.50 in., about 2.75 in., about 3.0 in., about 3.25 in., about3.50 in., about 3.75 in., about 4.0 in., about 4.25 in., about 4.5 in.,about 4.75 in., about 5.0 in., greater than about 5.0 inches, or anydiameter therebetween. Non-cylindrical embodiments of the container 102may have the same or similar widths and/or lengths. The height h of thecontainer 102, when coupled with the cap 106, may also vary. In someexamples, the height h may range from less than about 0.5 in. to about0.5 in., about 0.75 in., about 1.0 in., about 1.25 in., about 1.5 in.,about 1.75 in., about 2.0 in., about 2.25 in., about 2.5 in., more than2.5 in., or any height therebetween.

Embodiments of the scent device 100 may be reusable or configured forone-time use. Single-use embodiments may come pre-loaded with the fillmaterial 118. Examples in which the fill material 118 is configured toabsorb odors and/or moisture may be especially amenable to single-useassembly and packaging. Single-use embodiments may feature a cap 106that is not removable from the container 102.

For reusable applications, removal of the cap 106 from the container 102can allow periodic replacement of the breathable insert 110 and/or thefill material 118. The scent device 100 shown in FIG. 1B features thesnap-fit connection mechanism, but embodiments may include differentconnection mechanisms. For example, the cap 106 and container 102 maydefine complementary threaded portions configured to accommodatescrewing of the cap 106 onto the container 102. The cap 106 can also beattached to the container 102 at one end via a hinge or latch member.The cap 106 can also be slid on and off the container 102, which candefine lateral tracks configured to receive the cap 106.

FIG. 2 shows a scent device 200 that lacks a suspension mechanism, suchthat the device comprises container a 202 coupled with a cap 206, only.A portion of a breathable insert 210, again shaped as a disk, is exposedbeneath the cap 206, which may be adjustable, such that the exposedsurface area of the breathable insert 210 may shrink or expand dependingon the configuration of the cap 206. In this embodiment, adjustment ofthe cap 206 is effected by movement of a plurality of panels 207.Rotation of the cap 206 with respect to the container 202 may cause thepanels 207 to retract toward the perimeter of the cap 206. Rotation ofthe cap 206 in the opposite direction may cause the panels 207 to extendback toward the center of the cap.

FIG. 3 shows a scent device 300 that includes, in addition to acontainer 302, hook 304, cap 306 and breathable insert 310, a shield orcover 311 extending over a portion of the cap 306. The cover 311 may beincluded in embodiments equipped with suspension means and configuredfor outdoor use. When suspended above the ground from hook 304, thecover 311 may protect the exposed portions of breathable insert 310 fromdamaging weather effects and precipitation, such as wind, rain, snowand/or flying debris.

FIG. 4 shows a scent device 400 that includes a rectangular container402 coupled with a rectangular cap 406. In this example, the cap 406includes four cross bars 408, which together define nine windows orvents through which an underlying, rectangular breathable insert 410 isvisible. The scent device 400 may have a more narrow height than thescent device 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, making the scent device 400especially well equipped for small or narrow spaces, e.g., in a dufflebag or between units of furniture and a wall. The rectangular scentdevice 400 represents just one additional example of an acceptableconfiguration for the scent devices described herein. It should beunderstood to those skilled in the art that the shape of the device mayvary.

Methods of Manufacturing the Scent Device Product

FIGS. 5A-5G illustrate various steps in an example method of forming ascent device in accordance with embodiments described herein. While thefully assembled scent device comprises a cylindrical canister completewith a circular cap and a breathable disk comprised of a ring-shapedmount of support material, it should be understood that devicescomprised of differently shaped and/or sized components can also beformed according to the method disclosed herein.

FIG. 5A illustrates an initial step that may be implemented according toexample methods of producing the scent devices described herein. From astock of sheet material 502, one or more cutouts 504 can be removed anddiscarded by cutting along the dashed lines. The sheet material 502 cancomprise pulp board, paper board, cardboard, foam or other materials,which may be substantially rigid. The remaining sheet material 502,i.e., lacking the cutouts 504, may define the inner diameter of tworing-shaped mounts or backing structures used to form two breathableinserts, each in the form of a disk. The cutouts 504 are circular inthis example to match a cylindrical container holding a fill material,but as mentioned above, the shape of the container, and thus thecutouts, can vary. The diameter of the cutouts 504 can also vary,ranging from less than about 1.75 in. to about 2 in., about 2 in., about2.25 in., about 2.50 in., about 2.75 in., about 3 in., about 3.25 in.,about 3.5 in., about 3.75 in., about 4 in., about 4.25 in., about 4.5in., about 4.75 in., about 5.0 in., greater than about 5.0 in., or anydiameter therebetween. The number of cutouts 504 is shown forillustration purposes only. Greater or fewer cutouts 504 can be removeddepending on surface area of available sheet material 502.

The sheet material 502 can be cut using a die apparatus. The dieapparatus can be a rotary die, a flat die or any other form of die orpress, including turret and rail-type punch presses. The die apparatuscan be operated via automated or manual control. In some embodiments,the sheet material 502 may be supplied on a roll, making it particularlycompatible with a rotary die apparatus. The sheet material 502 can varyin cross-sectional thickness, ranging from less than about 0.01 in.,about 0.01 in., about 0.02 in., about 0.03 in., about 0.04 in., about0.05 in., about 0.06 in., about 0.07 in., about 0.08 in., about 0.09in., about 0.10 in., greater than about 0.10 in., or any thicknesstherebetween.

FIG. 5B illustrates a subsequent step, in which a breathable material505 is laminated to the sheet material 502, such that the breathablematerial covers one side of the sheet material 502 and spans thecircular apertures defined by the initial cutouts 504. In someembodiments, both sides of the sheet material 502 can be laminated withthe breathable material 505. In other examples, lamination of thebreathable material 505 may be supplemented and/or replaced by adifferent method of attachment. For example, the support material 502may comprise an adhesive on one or both sides. This adhesive may besufficient to adhere the breathable material 505 to the support material502. As provided herein, the breathable material 505 may comprise awoven fabric or one more different breathable materials, non-limitingexamples of which may include threaded polymers and/or mesh.

FIG. 5C shows a step in which the sheet material 502 and breathablematerial 505 are cut together, this time along concentric cutting lines506 of a larger diameter than the original cutouts 504 to define thering-shaped mounts 508 of the breathable insert. The same die apparatuscan be used to implement this step.

FIG. 5D shows opposite sides of a breathable insert in the form of abreathable disk 510 created by the sequential cuts and lamination stepsillustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C, after removal of the extraneous supportmaterial 502 and breathable material 505, i.e., the material not definedwithin cutting lines 506. As shown, one side of the breathable disk 510,designated as side A for illustration purposes, may be entirely coveredby the breathable material 505. Side A represents the laminated side ofthe breathable disk 510 in this example. The opposite side, side B,represents the side that was not laminated. Accordingly, the ring mount508 comprised of the support material 502 is visible on side B, but notside A. The ring mount 508 defines a central aperture, which is circularin the embodiment shown, to allow passage of aromatic compounds, odorsand/or moisture through the breathable material 505 spanning theaperture.

The outer diameter of the ring mount 508, and thus the breathable disk510, may approximately match, or be slightly greater than, the diameterof the container with which the ring mount 508 will be eventuallycoupled, such that the diameter of the container is greater than thediameter of the initial cutouts 504, but less than the diameter of thecircles defined by the second cutting lines 506. Embodiments of the ringmounts 508 may have an outer diameter ranging from less than about 2.25in. to about 2.5 in., or about 2.5 in., about 2.75 in., about 3 in.,about 3.25 in., about 3.5 in., about 3.75 in., about 4 in., about 4.25in., about 4.5 in., about 4.75 in., about 5.0 in., about 5.25 in., about5.5 in., greater than about 5.5 in., or any diameter therebetween.

The width w of the ring mounts 508 may vary depending on a plurality offactors, including the level of support required by the breathablematerial comprising the breathable disk 510, the dimensions of thecontainer and cap into which each ring is inserted, and/or the desiredrate of scent release and/or odor/moisture absorption. For example, thewidth w may be greater for containers having a larger diameter toprovide the structural support necessitated by a breathable inserthaving greater surface area. The width w may also be increased to slowthe rate of scent release by decreasing the surface area of thebreathable insert through which a scent can pass through. In variousembodiments, the width w may range from less than about 0.2 in., about0.2 in., about 0.25 in., about 0.3 in., about 0.35 in., about 0.4 in.,about 0.45 in., about 0.5 in., about 0.55 in., about 0.6 in., about 0.65in., about 0.70 in., about 0.75 in., greater than about 0.75 in., or anywidth therebetween.

As further shown in FIG. 5D, the ring mount 508 may have a surfaceadhesive 511 on one or both sides. The adhesive 511 can be applied to orformed with the stock material 502 before cutting, or applied after oneor more cuts are made. In embodiments, the adhesive 511 can be apressure-sensitive adhesive. In embodiments featuring apressure-sensitive adhesive, the support material 502 comprising eachring mount 508 can be pressed directly against the breathable material505 to strengthen the bond between the two components, before or afterlamination, which may prevent or minimize slippage of the breathablematerial 505. As mentioned above, both sides of the ring mount 508 mayhave an adhesive 511. Accordingly, side B of the ring mount 508 may haveexposed adhesive 511 ready for bonding to an additional surface, e.g.,the rim of a container comprising a fill material. Attachment of thering mount 508 to the container may be achieved before or duringcoupling of the container with a cap. In some embodiments, thebreathable disk 510 may include a layer of breathable material 505sandwiched between two ring mounts 508, for example in embodimentsrequiring enhanced structural support.

FIG. 5E is an exploded view of an unfilled scent device 500, showing abreathable insert in the form of a breathable disk 510 (side A), alongwith a cap 512 and a container 514. A series of protrusions 516 arevisible along an inner surface of the cap 512. The protrusions 516 maybe urged over a circumferential lip portion 518 defined by an exteriorsurface of the container 514 to couple the container 514 with the cap512 via a snap-fit mechanism. As further shown, the container 514defines an internal volume 518 configured to receive a fill material anda circumferential ledge 520 configured to contact a circumferentialportion of the cap 512. The container 514 may be formed from one or morepolymer compositions in some examples via various techniques, such asmolding or 3-D printing.

Before, during or after forming the breathable disk 510, a scented,scent-controlling, and/or moisture-absorbing fill material 522 can bedeposited within the volume 518 defined by the container 514, as shownin FIG. 5F. The container 514 can be substantially filled with thematerial 522, or to any user-desired level. After depositing the fillmaterial 522 into the container 514, the cap 512 and breathable disk 510can be coupled with the container. As shown, the exposed side of thering mount 508 can face the container 514, such that a lip 524 of thecontainer 514 directly contacts the ring mount 508. In addition toproviding structural support to the breathable material 505, the ringmount 508 may prevent or minimize leakage to and from the container 514by forming a seal between the container and the cap. The thickness ofthe ring mount 508, along with its relatively soft or impressionabletexture, can increase the level of friction and eliminate gaps betweenthe cap 512, container 514, and breathable disk 510 around the perimeterof the device 500, which may prove critical in the event that the lip524 includes uneven surfaces or notches due to manufacturingimperfections and/or damage.

FIG. 5G shows a fully assembled scent device 500. In the example shown,the cap 512 has a wider diameter than the container 514. The relativesizes of the two components may facilitate actuation of the snap-fitmechanism by enabling a user to pry the cap 512 from the container 514.Embodiments may feature different dimensions, such that the container514 and cap 512 define similar or identical diameters.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method of forming a scent device inaccordance with principles of the present disclosure. The example method600 shows the steps that may be utilized, in any sequence, to form ascent device for indoor or outdoor use.

In the embodiment shown, the method 600 begins at block 602 by “cuttinga mount from a support material.” At block 604, the method involves“attaching a breathable material to the mount to form a breathableinsert.” At block 606, the method involves “depositing ascent-controlling material within a container defining a volume.” Atblock 608, the method involves “sandwiching the breathable insertbetween the container and a cap upon coupling the cap with thecontainer.”

As used herein, the term “about” modifying, for example, the quantity ofa component in a composition, concentration, and ranges thereof,employed in describing the embodiments of the disclosure, refers tovariation in the numerical quantity that can occur, for example, throughtypical measuring and handling procedures used for making compounds,compositions, concentrates, or use formulations; through inadvertenterror in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture,source, or purity of starting materials or ingredients used to carry outthe methods, and like proximate considerations. The term “about” alsoencompasses amounts that differ due to aging of a formulation with aparticular initial concentration or mixture, and amounts that differ dueto mixing or processing a formulation with a particular initialconcentration or mixture. Where modified by the term “about” the claimsappended hereto include equivalents to these quantities.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the foregoing description ofexample embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together ina single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure andaiding in the understanding of one or more of the various aspects. Thesemethods of disclosure, however, are not to be interpreted as reflectingan intention that the claims require more features than are expresslyrecited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect,inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoingdisclosed embodiment, and each embodiment described herein may containmore than one inventive feature.

Although the present disclosure provides references to preferredembodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes maybe made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scopeof the inventive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A scent-reducing device comprising: a containerdefining a volume and configured to hold a fill material; a cap coupledto the container via a connection mechanism; and a breathable insertbetween the container and the cap, wherein the breathable insertcomprises a support mount defining an aperture and attached to aperimeter of a first surface of the breathable material opposite asecond surface of the breathable material.
 2. The device of claim 1,wherein the second surface of the breathable material does not contactthe support mount.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the support mountis coupled with a lip portion of the container.
 4. The device of claim1, further comprising a suspension component configured to suspend thedevice above a ground surface.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein thesuspension component comprises a hook, a hanger, a rope, an adhesive, ora magnetic element.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the cap furthercomprises intersecting bars extending across the aperture of thebreathable insert, the bars defining one or more vents, each ventcomprising an opening in the cap that exposes the breathable insert. 7.The device of claim 1, wherein the breathable insert has across-sectional thickness of about 0.01 to about 0.05 inches.
 8. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the breathable insert has a larger diameterthan the container and a smaller diameter than the cap.
 9. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the breathable material comprises a fabric, a threadedpolymer, or a mesh.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the connectionmechanism comprises one or more protrusions defined by the capconfigured to engage one or more lip portions defined by the container.11. The device of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises oneor more ledge portions configured to contact a surface of the cap. 12.The device of claim 1, wherein the support mount comprises pulp board,paper board, cardboard, or foam.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein thebreathable insert is disk-shaped and the container is cylindrical.
 14. Amethod of forming a scent-reducing device, the method comprising:attaching a first surface of a breathable material, opposite a secondsurface of the breathable material, to a support mount to form abreathable insert, wherein the second surface does not contact thesupport mount; and positioning the breathable insert between a containerand a cap upon coupling the cap with the container, wherein positioningthe breathable insert between the container and the cap comprisesapplying a side of the support mount opposite the breathable material toa lip portion of the container.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein thebreathable material comprises a fabric, a threaded polymer, or a mesh.16. The method of claim 14, wherein the support mount comprises pulpboard, paper board, cardboard, or foam.
 17. The method of claim 14,further comprising coupling or fixing a suspension component to thecontainer, the suspension component configured to suspend the deviceabove a ground surface.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein thesuspension component comprises a hook, a hanger, a rope, an adhesive, ora magnetic element.
 19. The method of claim 14, further comprisingforming intersecting bars in the cap, the intersecting bars extendingacross the breathable insert.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein thebreathable insert has a larger diameter than the container and a smallerdiameter than the cap.